The details
On Aug. 5, Friendswood City Council began discussions about the city budget for FY 2024-25, which included a potential tax rate increase and a budget of $108.2 million in total expenditures.
The city’s proposed rate falls between the no-new-revenue rate of $0.495 and the 2023 voter-approved rate of $0.571, according to a city staff presentation.
Friendswood’s estimated taxable value is $5.9 billion, which is $487 million more than the previous year.
The city’s general fund is $41.8 million, according to the city staff presentation.
Key drivers for the budget increase include insurance costs, aging infrastructure, bond project impacts and EMS onboarding, according to an Aug. 5 city presentation.
What’s next?
The city will host a public hearing on the proposed budget on Aug. 26 to gather resident feedback.
City Council will vote on the tax rate at the Sept. 9 meeting, according to the city staff presentation.
